On Smoothies, Part I

If you follow me on instagram, you may have noticed that I have a thing for smoothies. Some of you have been asking for recipes and tips, so this is the post for you! I can’t say that I use any sort of specific recipes or measurements, but this post will talk a bit about what I like to add to my smoothies.

Some days I add all of the items listed, sometimes I pick and choose and change proportions. I use a Nutri Ninja blender and blend most of my smoothies using the ultra-blend setting.

My red/purple smoothies tend to include:

Red Beets (raw, a few slices)

Berries (usually a mix of blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, sometimes just a handful of one kind of berry)

Cherries

Chia seeds (a generous tblsp)

Strawberry Kefir – one of my FAVORITE smoothie additions (no more than 4oz)

Pomegranate or blueberry juice (no more than 4 oz)

Water (as much as is needed to smooth out the blend without it getting too watery)

*The trick to getting a green smoothie to stay green is to not add anything that is a contrasting color – adding red or purple fruits and veggies will make a nice brown color. Brown smoothies are still delicious, just not as photogenic. And the better they look, the more fun they are to drink! :)

You’ll probably notice that I don’t tend to use almond or soy or dairy milk in my smoothies. I have used these things in the past, and will sometimes throw a splash in here and there, but I generally just don’t like the taste of almond or soy milk very much. I tend to stay away from dairy milk in my smoothies because I am usually drinking them pre- or post-workout. I just don’t want milk in my system right before or after a workout.

A few notes:

All of the fruits listed are usually frozen, bought in bulk in the freezer section of the grocery store.

Sometimes I add ice cubes. Why not?

I tend to add things in amounts of about 4oz

Ingredients like maca powder, aloe vera juice, coconut powder, ginger, etc., I use interchangeably amongst all the different colored smoothies I make. I just do a lot of experimenting. Usually, if you add stuff you know you like, it will turn out tasty – although I have had a few smoothie fails here and there.

I am of the opinion that smoothies taste better when served in a mason jar.

I’m dying to hear suggestions for other things I can add to my smoothies – what do you all put in yours?? I’d love to know!

Stay tuned for Part II of the smoothies posts, which will include tips for layering smoothies and suggestions for toppings!